We present to you a museum piece that documents a pivotal stage in the economic history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the "Hajj Voucher," which paved the way for the birth of the paper Riyal. 📜 Historical Background and Royal Decree This voucher was issued based on the Royal Decree during the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz - may God have mercy on him - in 1373 AH, to face the logistical challenges faced by the guests of Rahman in carrying the heavy silver Riyals. This issuance was a regulatory revolution that made Mecca and Medina a model of financial facilitation. 🖋 Figures Behind the Signatures (Knowledge Value) This voucher bears the signatures of personalities who laid the foundations of the Saudi banking system: 1. Governor (George Blawer): The first governor of the Saudi Monetary Agency (SAMA), an American financial expert seconded by the International Monetary Fund to contribute to the establishment and laying of the foundations of the Kingdom's monetary policy. 2. Deputy Governor (Rassim Al-Khalidi): A distinguished economic expert who played a fundamental role in the executive management of the agency during its critical founding period. 3. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors (Najib Ibrahim Salha): A prominent businessman and official who contributed to shaping the senior administrative decisions of the agency during its inception. 💰 Monetary Value: "Its Weight in Silver" At that time, the Saudi Riyal was pegged to the silver standard. This voucher was not just a piece of paper, but a "receipt" proving that SAMA held in its vaults an equivalent value of pure silver Saudi Riyals, and its holder was entitled to exchange it for its weight in silver immediately at any branch of the agency. 🌍 Issuance and Printing Details • Place of Printing: Printed in the most reputable international printing houses at the time (Waterlow & Sons Limited - London). • Quantity: Printed in calculated quantities to cover the needs of the Hajj season. Most of them were later withdrawn from circulation for destruction after the official currency was issued, making the remaining ones today a rare currency sought by collectors. • Languages: The voucher is adorned with 6 international languages to serve pilgrims from all over the world. 🏽 Rarity: • Mechanism and Date of Withdrawal: According to the Saudi Monetary System, a provision was approved stating that SAMA would gradually withdraw Hajj receipts from circulation, replacing them with the equivalent new currency. This gradual withdrawal and destruction began immediately after the issuance of the new currency in 1381 AH, and within a specified period announced by the agency at the time for people to exchange them. SAMA withdrew the vast majority of these notes and officially destroyed them after the new currency was introduced. Therefore, the survival of this piece in excellent condition today is what constitutes its rarity. 🔍 Artistic Condition of the Piece • Front: Shows the "Lansh" (traditional sailing ship) in the port of Jeddah, the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques. • Serial Number: 11/885975. • Notes: The piece is in excellent condition, retaining its colors and prestige. (There is a very slight trim of 4 mm on the side margin as accurately shown in the pictures, which is normal and acceptable for pieces of this historical age). 💡 Acquiring this piece is acquiring a part of the prestige and glory of the Saudi state and the rich history of Hajj. 📞 For serious inquiries, please contact via private message or replies. (We ask God for blessings)